We have all been there. The wind is howling outside and your living room feels like an ice box. You want to stay warm, but every time you look at that portable heater, you imagine the electric meter spinning out of control. You might find yourself wondering, is a 1500watt space heater cost alot to run? It is a valid concern. Nobody wants to stay warm today only to face a terrifying utility bill next month.
The fear of high energy costs often keeps people shivering in their own homes. However, once you understand how the numbers work, you can use these devices without the constant guilt. It turns out that staying cozy is quite affordable if you know a few simple tricks about managing your power.
Quick Answer: Is it Expensive?
Generally, a 1500 watt space heater is not expensive to run for short periods, costing about 20 to 30 cents per hour on high settings. However, costs can climb to over $100 a month if left running 24/7. It is most cost effective when used for “zone heating” in a single room.
How Much Does a Space Heater Cost to Run?
To figure out the real impact on your wallet, we have to look at the math. Most portable heaters use 1500 watts on their highest setting. In the world of electricity, this is 1.5 kilowatts. If your power company charges you the national average of about 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, you are spending roughly 24 cents for every hour of heat.
When you ask how much does running a space heater cost, you have to consider your personal habits. If you only turn it on for four hours while you watch a movie in the evening, you are spending less than a dollar. But if you leave it running all night, every night, that adds up. Over a 30 day month, an 8 hour nightly session would add about $57 to your bill.
For those using smaller units, you might wonder how much does a small space heater cost to run. Interestingly, many small heaters still use 1500 watts. They just have a smaller frame. Always check the wattage label on the bottom. If it says 1500W, the cost is exactly the same as a larger floor model.
Is a Space Heater Cost Effective?
The real secret to saving money is knowing when a space heater is more cost effective than your furnace. This strategy is called zone heating. If you live in a large house but spend most of your time in a home office, it is much cheaper to run one 1500 watt heater than to heat the entire house to 72 degrees.
By turning your central thermostat down to 62 degrees and using a space heater in your immediate area, you can see a significant drop in your total energy bill. In this specific scenario, using a space heater save money. You are focusing the energy only where your body actually is, rather than heating empty hallways and guest rooms.
Does Space Heater Save Money in Every Home?
If you have a very efficient modern heat pump, it might actually be cheaper to use your central air than multiple space heaters. However, for homes with older gas furnaces or electric baseboard heat, a space heater is almost always the more affordable choice for a single room. It is all about comparing the cost of heating 2,000 square feet versus 200 square feet.
Tips to Lower the Cost to Run a Space Heater
You do not have to settle for a high bill just to stay warm. There are ways to ensure your 1500 watt unit stays efficient.
Use the Low Setting
Most 1500 watt heaters have a “Low” or “Eco” mode that drops the power to 750 or 900 watts. If the room is already warm, switching to low maintains that comfort for half the price. This is a great way to manage how much does space heater cost to run over a long work day.
Choose a Model with a Thermostat
Cheap heaters that stay “on” constantly are the ones that drive up costs. Look for a unit with a digital thermostat. It will click off once the room reaches your target temperature. This prevents the heater from pulling power when it isn’t needed, making it much more budget friendly.
Seal the Room
A space heater works by warming the air around you. If your door is open or your windows are drafty, that expensive warm air is escaping. Close the door to trap the heat. Use a draft stopper at the bottom of the door. This small step ensures your heater doesn’t have to work overtime.
Common Mistakes That Drive Up Your Bill
If you find that it is expensive to run a space heater in your home, you might be making one of these common errors:
- Heating the Whole House: Trying to use three or four space heaters to avoid turning on the furnace is rarely cheaper. Space heaters are for small zones.
- Leaving it on in Empty Rooms: If you aren’t in the room, the heater should be off. Unlike a furnace, a space heater provides near-instant heat, so there is no need to “pre-heat” a room for hours.
- Blocking the Intake: If the back of the heater is pushed against a couch, it can’t pull in enough air. This makes the heating elements get too hot and less efficient.
- Using High All Night: If you are under a heavy duvet, you likely only need the heater on low or on a timer to stay comfortable.
Conclusion
So, is a 1500watt space heater cost alot to run? The answer depends on your habits. If you use it as a tool for zone heating and keep it on lower settings once the room is warm, it is an incredibly cost-effective way to stay cozy. However, if you use it as a primary heat source for a whole house, you might see a spike in your bill.
By choosing a model with a thermostat and keeping your doors closed, you can enjoy the warmth without the stress. Does using a space heater save money? It certainly can, as long as you are smart about which rooms you are heating and for how long.
FAQ: Space Heater Costs and Savings
Is it cheaper to use a space heater or central heat?
It is cheaper to use a space heater only if you turn down the central heat and stay in one room. If you keep the central heat high and use a space heater, you will pay much more.
Will a space heater save money on my gas bill?
Yes, if you use a space heater to keep your living room warm and lower your gas furnace thermostat, your gas bill will drop. However, your electric bill will go up slightly.
How much to run a 1500 watt space heater for 24 hours?
At average rates, running a heater on high for 24 hours costs about $5.76. Doing this every day would cost over $170 for the month.
Is it cheaper to run a space heater on low?
Yes, running on low usually cuts the energy consumption in half. It is one of the best ways to keep costs down while maintaining a steady temperature.
Will space heater save money if I live in a studio apartment?
Often, yes. In a small, open space, a single heater can sometimes keep the whole area comfortable enough that you don’t need the main building heat as often.